Imperial Guard - Chapter 84



Only Noblemtl

A large number of elves were lined up in front of the abandoned forest.

It was to welcome the clan’s hero, Reina, who would soon be visiting, and the clan’s benefactor, Rael.

“Raine. Is that true?”

“Yeah. It seems like Reina… likes Rael.”

“I see… I understand. If it is what Reina, the hero of the clan, wants, then I will do my best.”

Erengor, the leader of the elves, nodded to Rayne’s words.

It’s not that I don’t understand Reina’s feelings.

When I see his sword that split Basolod’s body in two.

Even Erengor was amazed by the beauty of the sword.

‘Even Rael said that he helped Reina a lot.’

When Reina is having a hard time.

He said that if Rael hadn’t been there, things might have been a disaster.

If so, it is not strange that they feel affection for humans.

‘I must welcome my benefactor well.’

There is only one thing he has to do.

It is a grand welcome to Rael, the benefactor of the clan.

I wanted Reina’s race, the elves, to be perceived as positively as possible by him.

Thud. Thud.

After a while.

From far away, Reina and Rael started walking toward me.

Erengor, the leader of the elves, stepped forward and greeted the benefactor of his clan.

“Welcome, Rael.”

“Rael. This is Erengor. He is the leader of the elves.”

“Really? A leader?”

Rael looked at the elf in front of him at Reyna’s words.

Looking at the elves gathered behind him, he could see his position among the elven tribe.

As expected, they were a race that knew morality.

“You said Erengor?”

“Yes, Lord Rael. The elves have gathered here to express our gratitude for not being able to properly express it to you at that time.”

“I’ve had enough of the verbal thanks, so please give me a branch of the World Tree.”

“···yes?”

Erengor looked at his benefactor with a blank expression.

*

A demonic disease is a disease that occurs when demonic energy that has infiltrated a human body combines with the human’s magical power.

To humans, magic is like poison.

So, for a person suffering from the disease, it was like drinking poison every moment.

A terrible disease that slowly drains your life force and soon causes you to die while buried in magic.

Even commoners and nobles cannot survive if they contract this disease.

“You want me to cure you with a branch of the World Tree? I’ve already tried that!”

The same was true of Count Akir, a noble of the empire.

He encountered the demons and became ill, and slammed the desk in frustration at what the attendant said.

Now that he was afflicted with the disease, all he could do was delay the extinguishment of the flame of life.

I ate all the foods that were good for my body, and I looked up everything that was effective against cancer.

The branches of the World Tree were one of them.

I bought a branch of the World Tree that was supposed to purify magic at a high price, but my magic disease didn’t get better.

“Count Akir. This time it’s different…! Last time I hired a magician from the Magic Tower, but this time I can get the purification done by a real elf!”

“What? The elves themselves are purifying us with branches from the World Tree. That’s ridiculous! He’s clearly a fraud!”

The World Tree’s branches are secretly distributed by the Elves to their fellow tribesmen who cannot enter the forest.

Although it is used for magical purification or as a medium for curses, you must be prepared to fight the elves the moment you are caught by them.

“I am not a fraud. The Second Princess has put her name on the line.”

“Second princess···?”

Only then did Count Akir cool his heated head.

No matter what humans do, they cannot fully utilize the true value of the branches of the World Tree.

However, it’s a different story if the elves themselves handle it.

It purifies the body of impurities and infuses it with the power of nature.

That is the true power of the World Tree’s branches.

“···Did you say Princess Yuriel? Prepare the carriage immediately.”

A cure for a disease that cannot be cured even with divine magic has been discovered.

That fact began to shake the empire.

A branch of District 4.

Rael looked at Erengor and said.

“I will only select polite and trustworthy elves and send them to the nobles. If there is any child who tries to do something strange to an elf, please tell me immediately.”

The cavalry did not discriminate between commoners and nobles.

That is why there were quite a few nobles in the empire who suffered from horse disease.

However, the nobles who were waiting for death found hope.

The power of the elves who manipulated the branches of the World Tree was truly great, and in fact, healers began to appear.

‘It’s crazy for nobles who were waiting for their day to die.’

Nobles who wanted to receive treatment had to contact the Second Princess, but Rael began treating the nobles who had entered the Second Princess’s power in sequence.

If treatment is urgent, you have no choice but to enter the power of the Second Princess.

“Understood, Rael.”

Erengor nodded to Rael’s words.

When it was first said that the World Tree branches would be offered to humans, the elves were a little angry, but when they heard that it was to cure humans of the disease, they changed their minds.

Because it was not for personal gain, but for the good of humanity.

The elves who were saved by him also stepped forward and began to help.

‘What a truly heroic move.’

Rael, one who pursues justice and works for good.

As expected, he was a benefactor to his clan.

“I’ll leave the leadership of the elves to you. Come see me if you have any problems.”

“Yes, Rael.”

Lael left the elf in Erengor’s care and went outside.

Outside the branch office in District 4, Bishop Peter was shouting to the surrounding area.

“This is the branch where Sir Rael, the knight who has been causing a stir in the empire recently, used to go. Please support his activities as he writes a legend from his humble origins with a donation…”

Peter was promoting the branch he was in charge of as the branch from Rael.

While I was not looking, I saw a ghost receiving donations, and his appearance was similar to that of Bernando, who used to sing about Rael to the citizens.

‘You’re starting to resemble someone you shouldn’t resemble.’

Rael sighed and passed Peter.

“Is it thanks to the Second Princess that I can receive treatment?”

“Yes. I heard that non-nobles can receive treatment for free! He really is an amazing person!”

“Long live His Majesty Uriel! Long live!”

The people of the empire were praising Yuri.

Providing free treatment to commoners was effective.

The same goes for nobles.

Those who were suffering from the disease were entering Yuri’s forces.

“The world is finally turning properly.”

Rael smiled with satisfaction.

At this point, I could be rewarded for my efforts in saving the elves.

‘I’ve decided to take care of the medical expenses I received from the nobles… Phew, this winter will be warm.’

Yuri, like the next emperor, was not greedy.

Rael raised the corners of his mouth as he thought about the money that would come to him.

“Rael.”

“Huh? Captain. What’s going on?”

Then, Rain approached.

He looked at Rael with a bewildered expression.

“···If I had known this would happen, I would have told you sooner.”

“yes?”

“His Highness the Grand Duke needs your help.”

Rain sighed and told Rael about the illness that was afflicting the Archduke.

*

The mansion of Archduke Eric Grace.

It is a large house, closer to a castle than a mansion.

Rael nodded his head as he looked at the owner of the mansion in front of him.

“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”

“Rael. You’ve become more polite since I last saw you.”

Eric smiled at Lael.

It was a new experience to see the captain of the guard in District 4 shaking up the empire.

“You can’t treat the Grand Duke of the Empire like a bar owner.”

“You can do whatever you want.”

“Really, Uncle Eric?”

Rael opened his eyes wide and raised his head.

“···Rael.”

Crunch.

But soon, the sound of Rain grabbing his sword’s scabbard was heard from behind.

“Ahem. Just kidding.”

Rael looked at Eric politely again.

As I met many patients with horse disease, I felt a unique feeling from them.

‘Uncle Eric also had the disease.’

Only then could Rael sense the aura of the cavalry from Eric.

The magic he felt was extremely weak.

Already one with his magic.

‘I heard that he was in seclusion because he was sick, but I never thought it was a disease.’

If I had known, I would have gone to Uncle Eric first.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you in advance, Rael.”

“It’s okay. It’s not like I’m proud of being sick. What the.”

Lane frowned at Lael’s words, but Eric waved his hand.

“Thank you. Rael, I would like to introduce you to the elves. If possible, please do not tell anyone.”

“Don’t worry. I heard from Lord Rain and he has already brought one. He is the most outstanding elf in the elven clan.”

As Rael gestured, an elf came inside.

“Nice to meet you, Your Highness. My name is Erengor, the leader of the elves.”

Erengor greeted them as he entered the room.

“Nice to meet you, Lord Erengor.”

Eric bowed his head in greeting.

It is a formality for the leader of the elven tribe.

“I came running straight to you after hearing that you were my benefactor, Lael. Treat me comfortably. Now, extend your hand.”

“Thank you.”

Erengor grabbed Eric’s hand while holding onto a branch of the World Tree.

And then, slowly, the power of nature arose.

‘It was a good decision to bring Erengor.’

Rael smiled with satisfaction as he watched Erengor maintain perfect manners.

In fact, Reina’s abilities may be more outstanding, but bringing her here just seemed like it would lead to a fight.

“Hmm···.”

After a while, Erengor narrowed his eyes as he examined Eric’s body.

‘···The war has progressed too much. It’s a miracle that we’re still alive.’

Eric’s body had been suffering from a disease for over ten years.

In order to survive, magic power became one with magic energy, and now it was impossible to extract magic energy alone.

‘The branches of the World Tree cannot purify it.’

Erengor shook his head and let go of Eric’s hand.

“Erengor. How is it?”

“The situation is not good. The demon and the body have already become one. If we try to purify only the demon now, it could be life-threatening.”

“Hmm… I see.”

I thought that might be the case.

Originally, magic disease was a disease in which human magic power was combined with magic energy.

The longer you hold out, the worse it gets.

“Please extend your hand for a moment, Your Highness.”

“i get it.”

Lael took Eric’s hand as if shaking it.

“Erengor. How is it? Feel the magic again.”

“This, this is···.”

Erengor placed a hand on Eric’s shoulder and opened his eyes wide.

Surprisingly, the magical energy in his body was decreasing.

“Yes. The magic is decreasing. But… at the same time, the magic power in my body is decreasing. If this continues, my life will be in danger.”

“Tsk, is that so?”

Rael let go of the Archduke’s hand.

Magic disease is a disease that occurs when magic energy combines with human magic power.

I don’t know about other people, but it seems that Rael’s power doesn’t work on Eric, who has a complete combination of magic and magical power.

“Erengor, then what should we do?”

“There is no way. Unless you recuperate under the World Tree…”

The World Tree holds the power of purification.

Although the branches of the World Tree contain that power, it is obvious that they are not as powerful as the real World Tree.

“Erengor.”

“Yes, Rael.”

“Then, guide me to the World Tree.”

“yes?”

“I will guide His Highness the Grand Duke to the World Tree and have him recuperate there.”

Erengor blinked for a moment at Rael’s words, then shook his head firmly.

“···Lord Rael. Even if you are the benefactor of the clan, I can never allow anyone else to enter the elven territory.”

“Is that important?”

“I am sorry to have to say this to your benefactor. However, the elves have never allowed outsiders to enter their territory for so long. It was a decision we made after careful consideration to grant your benefactor such authority.”

Rael licked his lips at Erengor’s stern expression.

I know it’s not a lie.

Because each person has their own area that is important to them.

‘What should I do with this···.’

The Grand Duke is an important force to the Second Princess Yuri.

And, Rael personally wished that Uncle Eric had not died.

Because he was a good nobleman who didn’t fit into medieval fantasy.

“Rael. That’s enough.”

“Your Highness?”

“I don’t want the relationship with the elves to become bad just because of me. I’m just glad that you brought the elf leader with you.”

Eric smiled.

After contracting horse disease during the Great War, he had long since given up on his own life.

He hoped that Rael, the future of the empire, wouldn’t be too concerned about him.

“···.”

Rael also understood Uncle Eric’s feelings.

However, I couldn’t give up just because there was a solution.

“Erengor. Do you know that?”

Rael spoke in a sad voice.

“No matter what you say, you can’t….”

“Reina deliberately let the elves who attacked her live. She said that it was a waste to kill trash like you with her own hands. Can you understand Reina’s feelings for having to say such things to her beloved compatriots?”

“Ugh···.”

Erengor’s stern expression began to crack.

And then his shoulders trembled.

As an elf who loved her kind and was born under the World Tree, I couldn’t imagine how much pain Reyna must have gone through to say such things.

Reina must have shed tears of blood for those words.

“That’s not all. How hard must it have been for her to save the branches of the World Tree among humans? If I hadn’t helped her, Reina might have been in big trouble.”

“Ugh···.”

I heard it from Reina during the Erengordo party.

Rael said that he helped her tremendously.

And, Rayne said that Rayna has feelings for Rael.

If the future of Reina, the hero of the clan, is ruined because of him… how should he look at the elves?

“Since there’s no answer, I guess you want to hear more of Reina’s sad story? Should I tell you the story of how Reina had no money and had to eat leftover food?”

“That, that’s enough… I understand. I’ll guide this person into the forest, so stop… I’ll somehow convince the other elves….”

Erengor lowered his head with a sad expression.

It was his job to persuade the remaining elves.

“It’s okay, Erengor. If you’re having trouble persuading them, tell me. I’ll tell those elves the same thing you just said.”

Rael patted Erengor on the shoulder.

As expected, the kind elves communicate well.

“lane.”

And Eric, who was watching the conversation, whispered to Lane.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I appreciate that you are thinking of me, but… can we really entrust the future of the Empire to Rael?”

Eric knows the truth about the great incident of curing the horse.

The other nobles thought that the second princess was repaying the elf for providing her with a home, but that was not the truth.

Lael.

That one man is ruling the elves.

Rael was a much greater man than the world knew.

‘This is really worrisome.’

Eric looked at Lael with worried eyes.

Running a bar in District 4, I’ve seen plenty of thugs and gangs, but Rael was one of the best.

Seeing him gradually gaining influence around the Second Princess, I felt uneasy for some reason.

“······.”

The loyal knight Rain bowed his head silently.

He also really liked Rael, but he couldn’t say anything about his speech.